City budget: Show them how to save

City Council President Richard Clark launched an electronic suggestion box for city savings.

The move comes as City Council members are looking to cut costs to help avoid a potential property tax increase that Mayor John Peyton is advocating to fill a budget hole.

It didn't take long for the e-mail box to experience some action.

So far, the savings suggestions include offering voluntary 32-hour work weeks, curbing city vehicle use by supervisors, limiting training of employees and using thermal imaging to help spot holes in how energy is being wasted in buildings.

Not a bad starter list.

As Clark noted, plenty of people and businesses have been finding creative ways to save money in a downturn for more than a year.

It only makes sense to tap into as much of that experience and know-how as possible.

City Council members can benefit from both as they look for ways to save leading in city budget hearings that began Aug. 13 before the council Finance Committee.

The budget must be approved in late September for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

How far can the City Council go in finding savings, making smart cuts and avoiding higher taxes?

Likely much further with the public's help.

Send your ideas to City Council today.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertising

Stay Connected

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Florida Times-Union ~ 1 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service